Illinois court dismisses lawsuit against a large-scale solar project
An Illinois court has dismissed a lawsuit regarding a large-scale solar project in Grundy County.
The Grundy County Circuit Court dismissed a lawsuit filed by the city of Morris regarding a project being developed by ECA Solar. The lawsuit sought to halt the company’s planned solar development outside city boundaries.
“We thank the courts for making the right decision,” said Todd Fryatt, CEO of ECA Solar. “This ruling allows us to move forward with confidence as we continue developing a project that will deliver long-term environmental and economic benefits to the community. We look forward to working constructively with the municipality and the broader community to ensure this project reflects shared values, enhances local opportunities, and supports a sustainable energy future for the region.”
Lawsuit seeks to block project
Earlier this year, the city of Morris filed suit against Grundy County, a private landowner, and an ECA Solar subsidiary, Gore Road Community Energy Initiative. This decisive ruling affirms the project’s legality and clears the way for continued progress in delivering clean, reliable energy to the region.
ECA Solar looks forward to continued engagement with stakeholders throughout the development process and remains committed to transparent communication as the project progresses.
On Nov. 24, Solar Builder reported that the Illinois state legislature had clarified solar siting rules, which ECA Solar representatives believed would resolve the aforementioned litigation. Following the state legislature’s passage of the Energy Omnibus Bill on Oct. 30, leaders from Grundy County and ECA Solar said the new statutory language confirmed county authority over solar project siting in unincorporated Morris.
The lawsuit was seeking to block the project, despite it being located outside the city’s jurisdiction and having already been approved for a Special Use Permit through Grundy County’s zoning process. Russ Baker, the State’s Attorney for Grundy County, explained that the county followed its established procedures in reviewing the proposed project.
“While we respect the city of Morris’ position, we were surprised Morris decided to pursue litigation,” Baker said. “The proposed solar development is located outside city limits and within Grundy County’s jurisdiction, and the county’s approval process was conducted lawfully and in accordance with all applicable zoning and procedural requirements.”
State bill clarifies jurisdiction
The Energy Omnibus Bill, which Gov. J.B. Pritzker indicated he will sign, amends the Illinois Counties Code to specify that counties may regulate the siting of commercial solar energy facilities in unincorporated areas outside municipal zoning jurisdiction.
“In our view, this new statute helps clarify the framework for solar siting in Illinois,” said Fryatt. “We believe it supports our long-standing position on the jurisdictional boundaries related to this project, and we look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with state and local partners.”
